Upgraded IT System at Federal Police Affecting Immigration Procedures and Documents
September 21, 2018

The situation
The Federal Police in Brazil is currently upgrading its information technology system. The updates are significantly impacting the procedures and documents required for foreign nationals to complete the registration process.
A closer look
The new system is causing delays at the following two points at the police registration process:
- Registration appointments. Due to issues with implementing the new system, the Federal Police in Sao Paulo is turning away foreign nationals with previously scheduled appointments by giving them a “certificate of presence” and asking them to return in October. They are not granting new appointments except in urgent cases, which are at the discretion of Federal Police agents. The Federal Police in Rio de Janeiro is only taking a limited number of walk in appointments.
- Impact. Foreign nationals should be aware that there are significant delays in obtaining registration appointments and that the appointments are lengthier in duration.
- Background. Foreign nationals who arrive in Brazil with a consular work visa are required to register with the Federal Police within 90 days of arrival and foreign nationals who obtain a work visa in-country are required to register with the Federal Police within 30 days of their work permit approval.
- Issuance of National Migration Registry Card (CRNM): The Federal Police is now issuing a new type of identification card, the CRNM, replacing the former RNM, which are still valid until their expiration date.
- Impact: Foreign nationals should be aware that the new cards are taking approximately six months to be issued from the date of the initial police registration appointment, up from approximately three months.
- Impact: Foreign nationals should be aware that the new cards are taking approximately six months to be issued from the date of the initial police registration appointment, up from approximately three months.
Looking ahead
Fragomen will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as they are available.
Fragomen in Brazil is Fragomen Brasil Serviços de Imigração Ltda., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in Brazil. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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